Orlando’s dynamic culinary scene continues to gain national recognition, with the Michelin Guide adding four new restaurants to its prestigious selection. This exciting announcement further solidifies Orlando’s position as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking diverse and high-quality dining experiences. The newly recognized establishments – Coro, Sorekara, UniGirl, and Ômo by Jônt – join a growing list of Michelin-recommended restaurants in the greater Orlando area, now totaling an impressive 52.
This update, revealed on Wednesday, underscores the Michelin Guide’s ongoing commitment to highlighting exceptional culinary talent across Florida. Since its expansion to Florida in 2022, the Michelin Guide has played a pivotal role in elevating the state’s dining landscape, attracting both national and international attention to its gastronomic offerings. Originally conceived by the French tire company Michelin as a travel companion for motorists, the guide has evolved into the gold standard for restaurant ratings, with its coveted stars symbolizing culinary excellence.
The inclusion of these four diverse restaurants showcases the breadth and depth of Orlando’s culinary offerings, from innovative shared plates to whimsical tasting menus and authentic Japanese flavors. Let’s delve into what makes each of these establishments a worthy addition to the Michelin Guide Orlando.
Coro: A Neighborhood Gem with Global Flavors
Nestled in Orlando’s charming Audubon Park neighborhood, Coro, located at 3022 Corrine Drive, presents a contemporary and inviting dining experience. Chef Tim Lovero has cultivated a unique approach to neighborhood dining, creating a space where guests instantly feel welcomed. The warm hospitality is complemented by an ever-changing, shared plates-style menu that encourages exploration and communal enjoyment.
The Michelin Guide highlights Coro’s ability to create memorable dishes from seemingly simple concepts. The warm potato naan, served with whipped chicken skin butter and marmalade, is cited as an exceptional initial offering, setting the tone for an enjoyable meal. Dishes like the tender lamb shoulder, enhanced with butternut squash purée and sautéed greens, demonstrate the kitchen’s skill in balancing flavors and textures. However, the guide particularly praises the dessert, a playful deconstruction of the classic fries and milkshake, transformed into a panna cotta with crispy sunchoke, cocoa nibs, and diced French fries. This inventive dessert perfectly encapsulates Coro’s approach: familiar elements reimagined with sophistication and creativity, making it a standout in the Michelin Guide Orlando selection.
Sorekara: An Unconventional Culinary Journey
Sorekara, situated at 4979 New Broad St. in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, boldly distinguishes itself from the conventional dining scene. Chef and owner William Shen has crafted a truly unique restaurant that promises a surprising and delightful culinary journey. Sorekara challenges expectations at every turn, offering a tasting menu that is both whimsical and deeply rooted in Japanese culinary traditions.
The Michelin Guide notes Sorekara’s distinctive approach, highlighting Chef Shen’s concept of Japan’s 72 micro-seasons as the inspiration for his tasting menu. This translates into highly original dishes, some infused with playful elements, such as a course designed to evoke a 7-Eleven snack run or the inventive “nigiri”. Despite these whimsical touches, Sorekara maintains an air of elegance and refinement throughout the multi-course experience, which unfolds across several rooms over several hours. From madai prepared with an unconventional twist to a deeply flavorful bowl of kegani sourced from Hokkaido, each dish demonstrates a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative techniques. Sorekara’s limited seating, available only a few nights a week, further emphasizes its exclusivity and dedication to providing an unparalleled dining adventure within the Michelin Guide Orlando.
UniGirl: Casual Japanese Delights with a Devoted Following
Located within the vibrant Mills Market at 1110 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando, UniGirl offers a casual yet highly sought-after Japanese culinary experience. Named after Chef/owner William Shen’s pet pup, Uni, this concept has quickly garnered a devoted following, with lines forming even before opening. The main draw at UniGirl is undoubtedly the onigiri, Japanese rice balls, which are made fresh daily and often sell out quickly.
The Michelin Guide praises UniGirl for the exceptional quality and execution of its onigiri. The menu is dynamic, with daily specials complementing the core onigiri offerings, such as the popular Japanese curry hash brown. Served in sealed bags, the onigiri are designed to be enjoyed immediately while the rice and fillings are still warm. Whether filled with crispy fried chicken thigh or tuna with a mustard kick, each onigiri is perfectly balanced and flavorful. The unagi onigiri, featuring barbecued freshwater eel with a sweet sauce, is highlighted as a particular fan favorite. UniGirl’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide Orlando demonstrates that exceptional culinary experiences can be found in both formal and casual settings, as long as the focus on quality and flavor remains paramount.
Ômo by Jônt: Refined Tasting Menus with Global Influences
Ômo by Jônt, located at 115 E. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park, brings a touch of Washington D.C.’s acclaimed dining scene to Orlando. Inspired by Chef Ryan Ratino’s renowned restaurant Jônt, Ômo by Jônt echoes its predecessor’s spirit of culinary innovation, blending classic French techniques with pristine Japanese ingredients, while incorporating subtle Floridian influences.
The Michelin Guide emphasizes the connection to Jônt while acknowledging Ômo by Jônt’s unique identity. The larger space allows for a more immersive and personalized dining experience. Ômo by Jônt offers three tasting menus, ranging from more accessible options to those featuring luxurious ingredients, catering to a variety of palates and occasions. Regardless of the chosen menu, diners can expect meticulously crafted dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. Examples include the chawanmushi with an autumnal twist of braised sweet potato, kombu, and brown butter sauce, and the scallop prepared in two distinct ways, highlighting the kitchen’s technical skill. The chocolate and hazelnut kakigori is mentioned as a refined and elegant dessert. Ômo by Jônt’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide Orlando reinforces Orlando’s growing reputation as a destination for sophisticated and globally-inspired fine dining.
The addition of Coro, Sorekara, UniGirl, and Ômo by Jônt to the Michelin Guide Orlando is a testament to the city’s flourishing culinary landscape. These diverse restaurants offer a range of dining experiences, further enriching Orlando’s appeal to food lovers and solidifying its place on the national and international culinary map. Exploring these Michelin-recognized establishments promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Orlando.
